Kitchen

[Nightowlz]

@SandySparkles 

We have been using Penzey's for a long time. Now I buy the $50 gift cards at $35 plus wait for a good sale before I shop to save more money. Plus I always get freebies. 

[cindyNC]

LOL - sort of.  I have one cupboard with 4 shelves and another container for duplicates or items in bags. 

I have actually considered reorganizing and making a spreadsheet.  

[RedTop]

After my response, I checked Trucker Daughters spice collection and let's just say she's not going to be happy!  

[Enufstuff]

@QVCkitty1   Years ago, I found a way to store my herbs and spices.  I bought two CD racks, one to keep on either side of my stove.  They are five feet tall and six inches wide. There are seven shelves in each one.

  I use one rack for herbs and spices and the other one for boxes of Celestial Seasonings Tea. Each tea box fits perfectly on a shelf.

 It is convenient to keep the herbs and spices that I use most often, next to the stove. The ones that I use less often are kept in a drawer in my antique Hoosier cabinet.

[Shihtzursqmom]

I used to buy spices for recipes I’d try once and we didn’t like and never use the spices again
I don’t do that anymore
I only buy the basics now and check the spices every month or so and throw away those that are expired or close to being expired

[Flatbush]

Yes, I have a whole lot of spices since I cook all meals and like to try new recipes that I frequently find here.

I never bother with expiration dates.

If I am using a spice and I know it has been around awhile, I test it out first before tossing. If it smells good and tastes fine, it stays.

[Melzie]

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@Enufstuff wrote:

@QVCkitty1   Years ago, I found a way to store my herbs and spices.  I bought two CD racks, one to keep on either side of my stove.  They are five feet tall and six inches wide. There are seven shelves in each one.

  I use one rack for herbs and spices and the other one for boxes of Celestial Seasonings Tea. Each tea box fits perfectly on a shelf.

 It is convenient to keep the herbs and spices that I use most often, next to the stove. The ones that I use less often are kept in a drawer in my antique Hoosier cabinet.

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What a great idea!  I guess I'm a spice junkie and, like someone else said, I don't pay much attention to expiration dates, within reason.  I rub/mash them together to release oils and if they seem too weak I just use a little more.  Also, I have a variety of oddball stuff  that I use for different cuisines. I have two CD racks in the other room that are just sitting there half full but now I have a plan for  them. 

Also, my house has a built-in-the-wall ironing board where the door goes pretty much from floor to ceiling.  I can't remember the last time I picked up an iron.  If it isn't wash & wear I don't buy it.  😁   Anyway, I plan on having the ironing board removed and adding shelves for spices, teas, or other items in small packages.

[Razzy 7]

That's true but it's expensive to keep replacing them. Hence if I think a spice is older than I'd like, I just use more of it than the recipe calls for. That usually works.

[Razzy 7]

I love Penzey's as well. I first saw their store in Overland Park KS several years ago. I went in the shop and was there 4 hours! The nice part of going to the store is that you can taste any spice to see if you want to buy it. 

[Razzy 7]

A good idea perhaps, but if your spices are too near the heat of the stove they will be negatively affected.